PHU reminding you to cook food properly, avoid salmonella

44 people in Ontario, Nova Scotia, Quebec, and Newfoundland have been hit by the salmonella bacteria, the don’t want you to be number 45.

28 of the 44 people are form Ontario, while only 12 have been hospitalized none have died.  The Porcupine Health Unit’s Kim Caruso says the infection from the bacteria is avoidable.

“It’s the 2nd most common intestinal infection in Ontario.  Cases typically peak in the summer months and symptoms usually show up around 36 hours after consumption.  It is a transmittable bacteria by way of contaminated feces from animals or humans already infected. Symptoms include nausea, headaches, vomiting, diarrhea often with blood in it, or in rare cases no symptoms at all.”

Caruso says to never assume frozen food is always cooked and to store food at the right temperature.

“Use clean food preparation stations and wash your hands after going to the washroom or handling pets.  Microwaves don’t heat food evenly so it shouldn’t be used to cook any poultry.”